Name: Cheesy Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 12 count Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls; 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 8 ounces thinly sliced deli ham; 2 1/2 cups cooked pulled pork (see notes); 12 slices Swiss cheese; 30 dill pickle chips, drained; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried minced garlic; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion; 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds; 3/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (see notes)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 8 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a sandwich that hits all the right notes—melty cheese, tender pork, tangy pickles, and that irresistible mustard kick—I promise you’ll fall in love with this Cheesy Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe I whip up when friends are coming over, and it never fails to impress. Plus, it’s super straightforward, so even if you’re new to making sliders or pulled pork dishes, I’ll walk you through every step to nail it like a pro.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Flavor Balance: The mustard and Worcestershire sauce combo adds tangy depth that cuts through the richness of the pork and cheese.
Layered Texture: Soft rolls, gooey Swiss cheese, and crunchy dill pickle chips create a delicious contrast in every bite.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Using pre-cooked pulled pork makes assembly easy and quick, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Buttery Poppy Seed Topping: That golden crust on top is the secret to slider magic—it’s what keeps everyone coming back for more.

Cheesy Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders, pulled pork sliders recipe, Cuban sliders with cheese, easy pulled pork sliders, flavorful slider sandwiches - The image shows twelve soft golden-brown dinner rolls arranged in a 3 by 4 grid on a white marbled surface. Each roll has a smooth, shiny top with a slightly rounded shape, sprinkled generously with black and white sesame seeds and bits of coarse salt, giving them a textured look. The rolls fit closely together, creating visible but soft seams where they touch. The lighting highlights the warm, golden tones and the seed details clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders Recipe plays a role in building that flavor powerhouse. Think of it like assembling a mini Cuban sandwich, but cheesier and more slider-friendly. Here’s a quick look at why these ingredients are the dream team.

Cheesy Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders, pulled pork sliders recipe, Cuban sliders with cheese, easy pulled pork sliders, flavorful slider sandwiches - Flat lay of a stack of twelve glossy Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth Dijon-style mustard, a small white ceramic bowl holding dark Worcestershire sauce, thinly sliced delicate pink deli ham arranged neatly, a mound of tender pulled pork with a rich, juicy texture, twelve slices of pale yellow Swiss cheese laid flat, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with bright green dill pickle chips, a small white ceramic bowl containing melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl with dried minced garlic flakes, a small white ceramic bowl with dried minced onion flakes, a small white ceramic bowl with tiny black poppy seeds, and a small white ceramic bowl holding large flaky sea salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet texture balances the savory pork and sharp mustard beautifully.
Dijon-style mustard: Adds tang and a little bite, essential for that classic Cuban sandwich flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami, linking the pork and cheese flavors together.
Deli ham: Brings a mild saltiness and extra meaty layers.
Cooked pulled pork: The star protein—juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
Swiss cheese: Melts gorgeously, adding nutty creaminess to every bite.
Dill pickle chips: Offering that essential crunch and tangy contrast.
Unsalted butter: Used both inside for saucing and outside for browning the rolls beautifully.
Dried minced garlic & onion: Infuse the buttery topping with savory, aromatic notes.
Poppy seeds: Bring a subtle crunch and that bakery-touch look.
Flaky sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and gives a final savory pop.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Cheesy Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often swap around the meat or add a little heat, depending on the mood or who’s at the table. Don’t be shy—this recipe welcomes your creativity!

Spicy Kick: I like adding a touch of chipotle mayo or sliced jalapeños to the sliders – it wakes everything up perfectly without overpowering.
Meat Swap: If you can’t find pulled pork, double up on the deli ham or even try shredded rotisserie chicken with some Cuban spices for a twist.
Cheese Options: While Swiss cheese is classic, provolone or mozzarella work well if you want a milder, stretchy melt.
Roll Choices: Can’t find Hawaiian rolls? Soft brioche buns are a great substitute, keeping the sweetness and richness intact.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Rolls and Sauce

First, preheat your oven to 350°F—it’s best to have it ready so you can pop the sliders in right away once assembled. While it’s warming up, I find it easiest to slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in one swoop with a sharp serrated knife. Keeping the rolls connected means less mess later and easier layering. Then, mix together the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tablespoons of melted (but not hot) butter. This sauce saturates the rolls for that signature tangy, buttery flavor combo.

Step 2: Layer the Flavor

Spread half the mustard sauce on the bottom half of the rolls in your baking dish, then half the sauce on the cut side of the top half. Next, layer Swiss cheese slices on the bottom, followed by ham, your juicy pulled pork, and dill pickle chips. Top with the remaining cheese and gently press everything together—this compression helps the cheese melt evenly and the flavors marry beautifully when baking.

Step 3: Bake and Butter the Tops

Bake the sliders uncovered (without the top rolls) for 10 minutes to let the cheese get melty and the pork warm through. Remove from the oven, carefully place the top rolls on, and mix the remaining butter with garlic, onion, poppy seeds, and sea salt flakes. Brush this aromatic mixture all over the tops and sides—this step is key for that irresistibly golden crust. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then unwrap and bake another 5–10 minutes until they’re golden brown.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, I always let the sliders sit for about 5 minutes; it helps all the cheese settle just right. Then slice apart with a sharp knife. Serve these right away—you want to enjoy that warm melty goodness!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders Recipe

Use Sharp, Serrated Knife: It makes slicing through the soft rolls cleaner and prevents crushing them.
Don’t Skip the Buttered Topping: That butter mixture with garlic, onion, and poppy seeds browns the tops perfectly and adds unbeatable flavor.
Choose Quality Pulled Pork: I’ve learned that pre-cooked, seasoned pork saves tons of time without sacrificing taste—just avoid BBQ sauced versions for this recipe.
Press Gently but Firmly: Pressing the layers ensures even melting and keeps the filling compact so sliders hold together well.

How to Serve Cheesy Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—extra dill pickle slices on the side are a must for me because I love that sharp tang. A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley adds a nice fresh note if you want a pop of color and herbaceous flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of some spicy aioli or a little habanero hot sauce on the side elevates things nicely.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m all about keeping it fun and relaxed—crispy sweet potato fries or a light Cuban black bean salad pair beautifully. Sometimes I go for plantain chips too; their natural sweetness and crunch match the sliders like a dream. And if it’s a party, simple coleslaw is always a crowd-pleaser to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I made these sliders for a game day gathering and presented them on a large wooden board with little stacks of pickles and tiny bowls of mustard and aioli for dipping. Guests loved building their own. For parties, they’re fantastic displayed in cupcake liners—makes grabbing and munching totally mess-free.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but heads up—they get a little softer and the crust less crispy after a day or two. Still delicious, just not quite as perfect as fresh. I recommend reheating gently to keep that cheesy goodness intact.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too! I usually slice individual sliders and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them again, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your sliders in the oven at 325°F, loosely covered with foil, for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them warm and melty without drying out the pulled pork. Avoid the microwave if you can—it can make the rolls soggy fast.

FAQs

Can I make the pulled pork from scratch?

Absolutely! Slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with classic Cuban spices works beautifully. Just cook low and slow until tender, then shred it. If you make your own, avoid adding BBQ sauce, as it can overpower the sliders.
What’s the best bread substitute if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?

Soft brioche buns are the closest in texture and sweetness, which complements the savory layers. You could also use small sandwich rolls, but avoid anything too dense or crusty—it changes the slider experience.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time before baking?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders and cover them tightly in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake according to the recipe, adding a little more time if the sliders are very cold straight from the fridge.
How do I avoid soggy sliders?

Make sure to drain the pickle chips well and don’t overload the rolls with too much pulled pork moisture. Baking uncovered initially helps the cheese melt nicely without sogginess, and the buttery topping adds a crisp finish.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pulled Pork Cuban Sliders Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s comfort food with a Cuban twist, wrapped up in a neat, shareable package. Making it always feels like a fun kitchen adventure—whether it’s a casual lunch, a weekend party, or just a treat to cheer up your week. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear what you think. Trust me, once you get that crisp buttery top and gooey cheese melting in your mouth alongside juicy pulled pork, you’ll be making this again and again!